Category: STEM

A group of eight people stands together in a conference room, posing for a group photo. They are dressed in a mix of professional and event-branded attire, including blazers, dress shirts, long skirts, slacks, and T‑shirts with “MESA” printed on them. A presentation screen is visible in the background displaying a slide with text. The room has carpeted flooring, tables, and a door to the left.
News, STEMBy SJCC Marketing/PR

From a Closed Door to the Cosmos: How One College Program Is Rewriting Who Gets to Do Science

San José City College’s MESA program presented a milestone update to the SJECCD Board of Trustees on March 10, showcasing how the program has helped 240 first-generation and low-income STEM students access internships, conferences, and transfer opportunities since spring 2023. Alumna and NASA veteran Ali Guarneros Luna headlined the presentation alongside three current and former MESA students.

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Pham family
Development, News, STEMBy SJCC Marketing/PR

A New Endowment Honors the Journey of an SJCC Alum Who Began With Nothing

Dan Pham, a former Vietnamese refugee who found his first foothold in America at San José City College, has established an endowment to support future engineering students. His gift honors the kindness that shaped his journey—from a life-saving stranger to the college that welcomed him.

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Dr. Cervantes speaking to students
News, STEM, Student SuccessBy SJCC Marketing/PR

The Long Road to Healing: How a SJCC Alumnus Found His Calling in MedicinE

Dr. Armando Cervantes, a San José City College alumnus, shared his inspiring journey from advertising to medicine with students at the MESA Center. Now practicing medicine in San José, he encourages future healthcare professionals to embrace persistence, find their purpose, and remember that “you plus a little bit of motivation equals success.”

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